Schalke youngster Christian Pander says he will not rush his return to action.
Schalke youngster Christian Pander says he will not rush his return to action after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in the spring.The 22-year-old left back had just broken into Jurgen Klinsmann's national squad when he picked up his injury in April, but Pander is determined not to take any risks to keep his World Cup dream alive.
"Four months and two weeks after the injury I've still got some problems with my knee when I train with the ball, but it doesn't help putting myself under pressure," Pander told Kicker.
The Schalke star could be a likely candidate to fill Germany's problem left back position if he can impress on his return to the Royal Blues' starting line-up, after the winter break.
Pander also expressed his gratitude for the show of faith that the Gelsenkirchen-based club have put in him despite his long injury absence.
"I would have understood if Schalke had gone out and bought a new player for my position,'' he concluded.
''It is extremely motivating to know that they are waiting for me to come back.''
